In trying to assist African musicians to recover financially following a two-year drought, SA’s premier jazz event Joy of Jazz will stage a Southern African music affair.
The international event has returned and this time is side-lining international acts to prioritise African artists, many of whom are still struggling to recover from loss of income after the Covid-19 lockdown. Jazz enthusiasts will enjoy music provided by 32 artists on four stages on November 25-26 at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
Speaking to Sowetan on Thursday, festival producer Mantwa Chinoamadi-Mutsinya said their aim this year was to make sure local and African artists recover economically before giving international artists an opportunity.
“We see this as the year of recovery for us as a festival, but also for the whole local music ecosystem. The industry has been under severe strain for the past two years. We’ve chosen to use this year’s festival as a catalytic investment in the recovery for local talent. We have decided that this year Joy of Jazz will be a Southern African edition to empower our own people. It did not make sense for us to feature people who are supported by their governments and who are getting gigs every day.
“Covid-19 affected many artists and most of them have not recovered. If we could, we were going to have a two-week festival just to give African artists a platform to perform. This year we said let jazz lovers enjoy an African experience.”
Tiisetso Tau, the MD at Synergy Business Events, a company that is collaborating with T-Musicman in putting the event together, said: “This collaboration seeks to create and give a platform to brands and businesses that form part of the music and lifestyle business value chain to showcase their offerings.”
This year’s festival will feature artists such as Dumza Maswana, Andile Yenana, Sisonke Xonti, Thandeka Mfinyongo, Mandisi Dyantyis, Siya Makuzeni and Xixel Langa (Mozambique) along with mbira star Hope Masike (Zimbabwe).
Fallen music legends like Tsepo Tshola, Sibongile Khumalo and Johnny Mekoa will be remembered through tribute performances. Saxophonist and composer Bhudaza will pay fitting tribute to the “Village Pope” Tshola and Gloria Bosman will lead a glorious celebration of the music and legacy of the late grand jazz diva Khumalo.
A Tribute to Bra Johnny Mekoa will featured music exponents like saxophonists Khaya Mahlangu, Mthunzi Mvubu, Sydney Mavundla, Prince Lengoasa, Malcolm Jiyane, Mongezi Conjwa Steven Mabona and Hendrick Mojeki.
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